I shall do a brief introduction. It has been awhile since this web was renamed to Daniel Chew the Weird. Well, not that I am weird but weird in a different way. It is like saying I am weird but weird in a special way. I think differently which people usually do not think it that way. Let us say that I am able to somehow twist and turn certain things that it turns out weird. All in all, it means I am just weird. See, I guessed I am starting to confuse you with my weirdness.

Just a while ago, while I was playing Magic the Gathering card games, while everyone was making decks to win (winning to most people is considered fun as long they make it competitive), I find making hilarious decks superbly fun. Though I might not win all the time, it is when I suddenly see their weird expressions when I win it with the deck that gets my adrenaline rushing. You know how weird their eyes started rolling when a weird deck starts beating them.

Oppps.. let us go back to what I was saying, Daniel Chew the Weird is what DanielCtw.com means. Just look at the initials and you will get what I am talking about. Now what about the many faces of Daniel?

At times I might be wacky, doing some crazy stuffs (like jumping and trying to get that perfect pose) or I love to take my own portrait like how those girls love to take their own reflection on the mirror (rather than looking at the camera, look elsewhere, it changes the mood).

Like the above, it has been awhile since I did a jump shot and boy, my physique has changed quite a lot. Somehow I felt I no longer used to look like the young boy that used to blog in this blog doing more cute faces. These are but a few of the faces of me. The Wacky. The Serious. The Poser.

It has been like 5 years since this blog was established back in 2006. Reading back how I used to blog, makes me miss my childhood days (rather college days). Unlike now, as I grew older, my mind start thinking more and more things as more responsibilities are coming my way. You could say that, most bloggers mature and changed their style of blogging as they grow older. Just look at Kenny Sia, he has also cut down on his blogging and focuses more on his business (GYM). What about me? I might be the same age as him, but we all have our different goals in life. (Oh my…. lecture time? Skip it)

Though that does not stop me from what I love to do in my life. I love to travel. Now where was my recent travel place? The next photo would at least summarize it all.

Aha… that was where I was recently. Of course, next time I might give a crash course on how to pose? Why do I feel that I can pose well? You will know, sooner or later what I meant by that. Live life wackily and crazy and weirdly while one is still young. Time passes by in a flash.

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Just last Sunday I was away, and finally had my run after what seemed like a long time since Standard Chartered KL Half Marathon 2011 which took place at Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square KL). This time on the 25th of September 2011, I took part in the Siemens 10.5km Run 2011 for the fun of it. Well, that is because I will for the first time be running in a proper running event together with my dear Miss Yen.

Once again, armed with only his HTC Hero he finally ran the whole course. What is his timing this time? It is 1 hour 34 minutes. Yes, basically it is 1’34’39. Slower than how I used to run? Not really, I was just testing my stamina on this one and this time it is totally different. Why is it different. I get to run along with …. JENG JENG JENG… *drum roll*

Dearest Yen. Ahhhh… finally after finishing the run. So now you know. That’s what I have been busy with. Preparing for the run together. At least something worthwhile doing. I am lucky cause I get to run with her for this run, well, at least doing activities together to ensure both of us keep ourselves fit and healthy and also it is a good practice.

I wonder, when will my next run be? We both ran and walked along the track, though our time might not be great, it was still better than some of the other participants who were actually slower. I am impressed with Yen as she was able to keep pace with me at certain areas where I tried to push her into running and jogging, constantly motivating her to run at times.

What I have learnt from this is that it is not about running fast or slow, it is who you run with. Of course, I think I will limit myself to 10km whenever there’s a 10km run.

PS: So far so good, she already ran two 10km run this year. I am gonna push her to run 3 runs next year.

pss: Wish me luck. *pooof*

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Sometimes we feign that we are young all through these years, thinking that time stopped for us. Seriously though we are getting older, which we all cannot deny but are we wiser as we get older?

As time passes by and as technology emerged, many people seems to be caught up in the age of IT and technology. Not owning a smart phone these days felt out of place (nothing wrong with not owning one, but just that sometimes we have to keep abreast with the current technology in this world. It does not meant that it is a necessity but it is complimentary).

So did we actually get wiser as we start to use these tools of technology? Or did we get dumber because we use these tools to look for our answers? Does our brain malfunction or rather use rather less brain cells because we rely so much on the computer or smart phone or any electronic devices to help us find the answer?

What are the boundaries? What are the limits? Why then does the school do not allow students to use a PC to search the World Wide Web for answers during answers? Well, some people say we should not deprive them of the benefit of being able to access the internet to look for answers but why? Is it to boost memory strength? Though how come what we did previously does not apply in the working world since we get to have our hands on these gadgets to help us do all the work.

You must have been wondering!!!

“OH NO!!!! Not another one of those WEIRD DANIEL moments where he starts thinking of things and start telling and boggling other people’s mind“

Though sad to say, he (The Weird One) is back with a bang (not gangbang) and will relive what he does best on the blogging world. To blog about his thoughts and not just his travel log or photos to showcase.

Back to the topic, are we wiser as we grow up? In what sense? Is it because we have gadgets to help us, we are wiser? Or do we use these tools to help us when we cannot do anything else? So many questions, so few answers which I would expect later on.

Sometimes it is good that we have the capacity to think. Not everyone is fortunate to have time to rest on the beach and ponder on thoughts that boggle their minds but like I said, anywhere would do. In life, we ponder about things at times which does not concern us.

Why do we do that?

These are things which help generate our mind receptors and also to make sure that our brain is still functioning. Why do humans worry? Worry?? We all worry for a reason, but it is also subject to our ability as to how we handle our worries. Some do not even understand the reason of why do they worry. Well, things go and come as they like but there are many things which raises a lot of questions in our daily life.

I guess life has a lot of meaning. This topic can go on and on with so many questions to be answered but leave very little answers to be given. Perhaps right now, the person reading this blog does not even understand a word of what this blogger is trying to say. Some even think that this is gibberish. Some even think that this is too deep, not something which they could fathom at all.

Some also thinks that I am using big words. Well, once a while, let the blogger relay what is in his mind. After this post, he will be his carefree self again. I am sure that will bring cheers to a lot of folks out there.

Till my next WEIRD thoughts!! Adios.

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Hello and welcome to Myeong-dong 명동, a place, a shopping haven for girls to go gaga over cosmetics, clothes and more cosmetics. For guys, it is also a place to find food and to look at girls shopping and the shop promoters. Opps…

Like I was saying, Myeongdong or Myeong-dong (명동) is a simple place. Well, how come it’s only the third day and we are in Myeongdong. Well, as a matter of fact, we stayed in Myeongdong and that is why it is easy to go walk around here. Convenient, fast and efficient… (to find food – for me).

Want to see more of what actually Myeongdong has to offer, just look at the next few photos. I do not even need to elaborate and you will know how fun and enjoyable it is if you (girls… yes… I meant girls mostly) love shopping for cosmetics.

Exhibit 1 – Etude House | Nature Republic

Exhibit 2 -Nude Building Myeongdong

Nude????????? I believe they sell clothes to nudist. Opps.. bothering again.

Exhibit 3 – Laneige

Now the above are just a few of the cosmetics and places one could visit. By the way, noticed anything weird here?

Yes, people were using umbrellas. Why? Of course, it rained earlier and still with a bit of drizzle, people still flock the place. Now imagine it was raining, what about if there were no rain? Could you imagine the amount of people??

One good thing is that, unlike those days when I was afraid to go into these kind of shops, I am not ashamed of it right now. Gone were the days when I used to think that guys who go into these shops were more womanly. Why? That is because I (the man) has gone in. AHAHA!!

A shot of one of the place I am in. Guess where? Duh… FACE SHOP

Aside the cosmetics, there were also food to savor here.

Have you tried Samgyetang (삼계탕), well, not the ones that you see in Mid Valley. Imagine it was raining earlier and then we had something like this which is so warm and refreshing and good for the body.

Samgyetang is a variety of guk or Korean soup, which primarily consists of a whole young chicken and Korean ginseng. The dish’s name literally translates as “‘ginseng chicken soup” in English. Samgyetang is traditionally served in the summer for its supposed nutrients, which replaces those lost through excessive sweating and physical exertion during the hot summers in Korea.

Whole young chicken to be precise. What other dishes there is? Eating one like this cost about 6500 Won, that is like RM18-20. Expensive but definitely better than the ones I had back in Malaysia.

Another photo of the famous dish.

One thing about this place though, you can find things that usually you would not find in places like my home country in Malaysia. Things like Pork Knuckles (sorry if you cannot eat pork, this next photo is for those who can actually eat pork)

So how would you like some?

So that basically covers my small portion of Myeongdong, because there are many more places to go and with limited time well, there is always a next time to be there. Food is definitely a must try in every country. I am sure some of you remembered how I talked about eating the Beondegi (Silk Worms) and though it may look yucky to other people, it sure is a delicacy. People always say, try if it is alright to try. So why not?

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After a long lapse and a short weekend getaway, it is time to get off that lazy feeling and to blog about my Seoul, Korea escapades and this time in Yeouido 여의도. Shortly after being in Gyeongkokgung it was time to visit the famous park with lots of cherry blossoms along the walk and lo and behold, there were so many people when we arrived there.

Children and adults alike were amongst the figure there. There were children participating in CPR lessons. I am definitely impressed with the activities here. There are tonnes and lots of other activities on that day. It was expected to be a crowded day as it is on a weekend.

Of course, it was the day when Peter would be the last time he would accompany us on this trip. As he is staying quite far away, and he has to work we could say this was the last of the few minutes and hours we get to be around him.

Looking around with the excitement and games, Yen also decided to take part in it. Playing with the ring around the stick. Fascinated with sticks and hoops. Hehehe…

Of course, there are loads of other activities and other forms of entertainment on that day. One of them is we had a monkey on the loose.

Alright, not really a real monkey but the cosplay type. I am unable to read Korean, so anyway, at least there was a shot. Funny how happy Yen is standing with a person in a Monkey costume. *Escapes*

Actually what can one do in Yeouido? Let’s look at the wikipedia

Five parks are located in Yeouido. Notable among these are the Yeouido district of the Han River Public Park and Yeouido Park. Yeouido Park was formed in 1999 through the reclamation of a patch of land, known as Yeouido Square or 5/16 square, which had lain under asphalt for 27 years and was used for various large public gatherings. In addition, a terminal for excursion ferries stands on the Han River shore.

Seems like the best attraction are the parks and we were directly on top an old asphalt area. Superbly cool. Of course other than that, nothing much. Of course, the wikipedia does not really tell much. One has to use imagination and be more adventurous.

Ahh.. that’s Peter, he’s a friend of Yen in Korea and definitely good to see him around. We got a lot of directions and help from him since he was the only one who is able to converse well in Korean. This shot was taken when he was about to leave.

Hmmmm.. after analyzing the features of a Korean guy and comparing it to me, I must say there are some resemblance. Ahhhh…. I shall dream it elsewhere.

Of course, time for some shooting at Yeouido park. There are cherry blossoms along the park. So must stamp my mark on it and so I did. Let us look at how Yeouido city looks like from the park. It is amazing, simply amazing, the sky was perfect, the crowd was perfect and so I was with a nearly perfect lens.

The colors of the building overlooking the park. It was a bright sunny day with temperatures around 18 degrees celsius. Well, there are people bicycling, couples walking hand in hand, street vendors along the park, and kids playing around.

Pictures might not reveal the whole scene but this was how I picture it.

Finally time for some food which I am sure that you have seen me eating that Satay kind of food on the previous Korean post. There is something which Koreans do enjoy, and this is where I come in.

As Daniel Chew the Weird says,

What people can do, we can always try if it is safe.
What people can eat, we can also try

Of course not everyone shares the same temperament. I hereby give you a special delicacy where Koreans do eat other than the famous Tteokbokki, Bulgogi. I present to you, 번데기 or it’s equivalent Beondegi.
What is Beondegi?

Beondegi is a popular snack food in Korean cuisine. Literally meaning “chrysalis” or “pupa” in Korean, Beondegi are steamed or boiled silkworm pupae which are seasoned and eaten as a snack. Beondegi are often served by street vendors, as well as in restaurants and drinking establishments. They are also sold in cans in grocery stores and convenience stores, but they must be boiled in water before serving. 번데기 is the Korean spelling of Beondegi. Beondegi is not always sold in the market and is usually sold in packets from street vendors, although it is possible to buy the live variant for personal preparation.

No one dares to eat it on this trip, only person who did was truly this blogger, Daniel Chew. Sad isn’t it? No one wanted to share with me the whole cup which cost 2000 Won.

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